capturing the good life

Small Town

I’ve taken photos for this dear family several times in the past- it helps that we’ve known each other for a decade. When Krista advised me a photo session would be in order to help announce a new addition, I jumped at the idea! She’ll be a lucky mom to another beautiful baby boy and surrounded by her guys- Chris and Jake! We used the Sugar Beet Factory as our backdrop and had a lot of fun. Jake will be an amazing big brother, I just know it. Congratulations to you all!

I’ve known these two love birds both separately and together for many years. I have to say that I have been rooting for them for a solid 20 years now. Being that I’m only 30, that’s really saying something. B & E have been lifelong friends from childhood. We were band geeks, problem solving nerds, and athletes together through school. When after so many years had passed after we all “grew up”, I got the sweet news that they were dating. I was ecstatic, as were most in our immediate circle and beyond. B proposed this fall and I was lucky enough to spend some time with them in celebrating their engagement. We went up to a favorite old spot up in the mountains back home and had a great time in the snow. It was such good luck to get (my favorite) snow and sun all in the same morning. Can’t wait for the wedding next fall and wishing them the best in their future together.

There is endless nature to be discovered, scenery as far as the eye can see, and gifts only the cool damp weather can bring.

With the holidays in full swing, I thought I would gather a few pieces of my favorite place and put a wreath together. I chose to hop over to my favorite green belt and pick up the left overs from a recent wind storm. It was a win-win.

Here is what you will need:

Florist Wire

Wreath form (I used a maple branch)

Various Evergreen Boughs

Patience

Start by forming your wreath by bending the branch into a circle. Wire together tightly.

Grab about 4 boughs at a time, laying them on the wreath form, and tightly wrapping with wire to secure them. I used several pieces of wire instead of continuously wrapping. Continue around the entire wreath form adding different sets of boughs for different textures. Wrap a hanger to the main circle of the wreath. Tuck in a garnishments-holly, pine cones, or as I did, curly willow branches.

Capturing textures and details can be the best part of taking photos. I spend some time finding different lighting, color, and texture a few weeks back. It was time to take a small break from the fun family sessions that have been keeping me so busy!

I adore the Ritter Family. They have been a large part of my life since kindergarten after meeting their oldest daughter and my best friend The Natural Ginger. They have a breathtaking piece of land nestled in the Cascades and a thriving business at Ritter Farms specializing in weddings and events.

When they get a chance to be in the same place at the same time, we’ve managed to capture a few photos. We had the opportunity when the extended family had a photo session, so we had to take full advantage of the opportunity to get some new family portraits.

I’ve known my favorite family with the big red barn for many, many years. Many of those years were without a photo of everyone at the same time in the same place.

When asked by Grandma Kathy to take photos of the many kids who have called the family property home, I was happy to get the camera out and capture a moment in time for her. It was a cold and very windy day- and everyone did their part to make it a fun and QUICK photo session. I see why there is so much of a Grandmother’s Pride & Joy in these photos as each grandchild brings laughter and happiness to her in their own way.

Thanks to Katelyn and her Mom & Dad, we spent a crisp fall evening-luckily free of rain- wandering their beautiful property just outside of town.

There was endless gorgeous greenery, a pond or two, mud, cows and a couple tractors. Katelyn is a sweet and super silly kind of gal, so we kept it light until we actually had NO daylight. Time flies when you’re having fun!